title: Psychotherapeutic agents in older adults. Sedative hypnotics and sleep.
abstract: Complaints about sleep are prominent among geriatric patients. Insomnia is a prominent feature of many psychiatric and general medical conditions. The physiologic effects of aging and primary sleep disorders also contribute to insomnia, sleep pattern changes, daytime sleepiness, and dozing. The clinical approach to insomnia requires a thorough diagnostic assessment as well as study of sleep habits and hygiene. Hypnotic agents may be useful in providing short-term relief. Pharmacologic intervention is best combined with nonpharmacologic approaches that improve the efficiency of sleep.
authors.affiliation: Creighton-Nebraska Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5575, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Folks
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives